Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is being tested as an alternative treatment for people with major depression who are not responding to traditional medication. Pictures of an rTMS treatment device and descriptions of the treatment are available on a website maintained by Neuronetics, Inc.

Neuronetics has recently completed a major study on the use of rTMS in the treatment of treatment resistant major depression. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate efficacy and to obtain FDA approval for the use of the device in the treatment of major depression. The University of Michigan Depression Center was one of the sites for this study.

On October 8, 2008 Neuronetics announced that its medical device (NeuroStar TMS Therapy system) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression. The University of Michigan Depression Center is in the process of setting up a clinic that will offer treatment using the NeuroStar TMS Therapy system. This treatment option will be available sometime in April 2009 through the Depression Center. However, just because it is approved, it does not mean that insurances will immediately cover the cost for treatment.

The University of Michigan is not currently recruiting for any studies using rTMS. When that changes, I will place a link on this website. If rTMS receives FDA approval, the U of M Depression Center will likely begin a program of treatment. I will place a link to information about that when I learn of its availability.

People often ask me about “off label” treatment availability or other research projects using rTMS. The International Society for Transcranial Stimulation maintains a listing of research sites and places that offer “off label” treatment.

rTMS is approved for treatment in Canada and Mindcare Centres offers information on rTMS and has treatment centers located in Toronto and Vancover.

Wikipedia has information about rTMS provided by the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology

Last updated 12/18/08